Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous As the days grow shorter and darker, and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like knowing there’s a warm, welcoming bed awaiting you at home to usher in a cozy night’s sleep, and long, languorous mornings when time allows. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Planned or not, that mess is smoothed out as the film proceeds, and Washington’s performance goes from languorous and dazed to razor-sharp and darkly humorous—reminiscent of the work he’s done for Lee in the past. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • The pioneering alt-country band returns with its first album in 30 years—a set of cryptic, languid dirges that feels defiantly out-of-time.
    Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Aren’t the languid purple wisteria blooms so pretty this time of year?
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That specificity and boldness don’t appear much on Yo Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa, a listless album that’s fashioned like a 2000s mixtape.
    Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026
  • On Beef, Woosh (played by K-pop star BM) is a somewhat listless Korean Zoomer who works for chairman Park as a tennis instructor and also sells skincare products to the country club’s members.
    Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Because two years in, Kel’el Ware has been both a dynamic contributor and a lackadaisical bystander.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The Nuggets played lackadaisical 1-on-1 and pick-and-roll defense on the perimeter.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Music lovers tired of paying hundreds of dollars to see big-name acts may be getting some relief.
    Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Households would receive a maximum credit of $5,000 per year until all funds are exhausted.
    Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • If there is a post-Games deficit the city is responsible for the first $270 million after the $270 million LA28 contingency fund is exhausted.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For months, Vince would roll out her limp body in a wheelchair and subject her to various humiliations.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Daejeon officials released social media videos showing rescuers pulling the limp wolf from a ditch and placing it in a carrier, and the animal undergoing medical examinations at the zoo.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While other Caribbean islands can be sleepy (too sleepy, sometimes) at night, the fun is just getting started when the sun sets in Curaçao.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In theaters Friday after a strong reception at SXSW last month, the genre-scrambling, darkly comic neo-western casts him as Ulysses, a principled small-town sheriff who takes a temporary posting in a sleepy corner of Minnesota called Normal.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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